9866308

Composite Wifi and Acoustic Spatial Diagnostics for Smart Home Management

PublishedJanuary 9, 2018
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Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
22 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A wireless transceiver for wireless communications on a wireless local area network (WLAN); and the wireless transceiver comprising: a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) array of antennas; a plurality of components coupled to one another to form transmit and receive paths coupled to the array of antennas for processing wireless communications; an array of microphones a composite spatial diagnostic circuit coupled to array of antennas via the plurality of components and to the array of microphones to successively sample respectively a WiFi environment and an acoustic environment surrounding the wireless transceiver and to determine from each set of WiFi and acoustic samples a composite spatial map of at least one of humans or wireless transceivers within the surrounding environment; and a rule execution circuit coupled to the composite spatial diagnostic circuit to execute an action proscribed by a selected rule when a related portion of the composite spatial map sampled by the composite spatial diagnostic circuit exhibits a correlation above a threshold amount with a spatial context condition associated with the selected rule.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver for WLAN communications integrates a MIMO antenna array and multiple components forming transmit and receive paths for processing wireless signals. The transceiver includes an array of microphones and a composite spatial diagnostic circuit. The diagnostic circuit samples both the WiFi environment via the MIMO array and the acoustic environment via the microphones. It generates a composite spatial map identifying the locations of humans or other wireless transceivers in the surrounding area by analyzing the sampled data. A rule execution circuit is coupled to the diagnostic circuit and executes predefined actions when the spatial map exhibits a correlation above a threshold with a spatial context condition linked to a selected rule. This system enables dynamic environmental awareness by combining wireless and acoustic sensing to detect and respond to specific spatial conditions, such as the presence of individuals or devices in proximity. The rules-based approach allows for automated actions based on the composite spatial data, enhancing situational awareness and adaptive functionality in WLAN environments.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 wherein the composite spatial diagnostic circuit further comprises: an acoustic spatial diagnostic circuit to determine locations of sound sources in the surrounding environment from the acoustic samples; a WiFi spatial diagnostic circuit to determine locations of WiFi signal sources in the surrounding environment from the WiFi samples; and a spatial correlation circuit coupled to both the acoustic and WiFi spatial diagnostic circuits to correlate the acoustic and WiFi locations provided by the acoustic and WiFi spatial diagnostic circuits respectively with one another.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system integrates multiple spatial diagnostic circuits to analyze and correlate environmental data from different sources. The system captures acoustic samples from the surrounding environment and processes them to determine the locations of sound sources. Simultaneously, it collects WiFi signal samples and analyzes them to identify the locations of WiFi signal sources. A spatial correlation circuit then correlates the acoustic and WiFi-derived locations to provide a unified spatial understanding of the environment. This correlation helps identify relationships between sound sources and WiFi-enabled devices, enhancing situational awareness. The system may also include additional diagnostic circuits for other wireless signals, such as Bluetooth or cellular, to further refine spatial mapping. By combining acoustic and WiFi spatial data, the transceiver improves accuracy in locating and tracking objects or devices in dynamic environments, addressing challenges in multi-source localization and environmental mapping. The integration of these diagnostic circuits enables real-time spatial analysis, useful in applications like smart home automation, industrial monitoring, or security systems.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 wherein the composite spatial diagnostic circuit further comprises: an acoustic spatial diagnostic circuit to determine locations of sound sources by correlating a known geometry of the array of microphones with the acoustic samples of sounds emanating from humans, animals, and objects in the surrounding environment; a WiFi spatial diagnostic circuit to determine locations of WiFi signal sources by correlating a known geometry of the MIMO antenna array with the WiFi samples of signals emanating from WiFi transceivers in the surrounding environment; and a spatial correlation circuit coupled to both the acoustic and WiFi spatial diagnostic circuits to correlate the acoustic and WiFi locations provided by the acoustic and WiFi spatial diagnostic circuits respectively with one another.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system includes a composite spatial diagnostic circuit that integrates acoustic and WiFi spatial diagnostics to locate sound and signal sources in the environment. The acoustic spatial diagnostic circuit determines the locations of sound sources, such as humans, animals, or objects, by analyzing acoustic samples captured by an array of microphones and correlating them with the known geometric arrangement of the microphones. Similarly, the WiFi spatial diagnostic circuit identifies the locations of WiFi signal sources, such as nearby transceivers, by processing WiFi signal samples from a MIMO antenna array and correlating them with the known antenna geometry. A spatial correlation circuit then links the acoustic and WiFi-derived locations, enabling the system to associate sound sources with their corresponding WiFi signal sources. This integration allows for enhanced environmental awareness by combining spatial data from different modalities, improving accuracy in tracking and identifying objects or entities in the vicinity. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring precise localization of both acoustic and wireless signal sources, such as surveillance, environmental monitoring, or smart infrastructure.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 wherein the composite spatial diagnostic circuit further comprises: an acoustic identification circuit to identify sound sources by correlating authentication records containing acoustic profiles of specific humans, animals, and objects with the acoustic samples; a WiFi identification circuit to identify humans, animals and objects by correlating authentication records containing WiFi multi-path signal profiles for specific humans, animals, and objects with the WiFi samples; and a spatial correlation circuit coupled to both the acoustic and WiFi identification circuits to correlate the acoustic and WiFi identifications provided by the acoustic and WiFi identification circuits respectively with one another.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system enhances security and identification by analyzing acoustic and WiFi signals to recognize specific humans, animals, or objects. The system addresses the challenge of accurately identifying entities in environments where traditional methods like RFID or visual recognition may be unreliable or impractical. The transceiver includes a composite spatial diagnostic circuit that processes acoustic and WiFi data to determine the identity and location of entities within its range. The acoustic identification circuit compares recorded sound samples with pre-stored authentication records containing acoustic profiles of known entities, such as human voices, animal sounds, or mechanical noises. Similarly, the WiFi identification circuit analyzes WiFi multipath signal profiles, which vary based on the unique reflection and absorption patterns caused by different entities, and matches these profiles against stored records for identification. A spatial correlation circuit integrates the results from both identification circuits, ensuring that acoustic and WiFi data are cross-referenced to improve accuracy and reduce false positives. This multi-modal approach enhances reliability in identifying and tracking entities in dynamic environments, such as smart homes, industrial settings, or security applications. The system leverages existing wireless infrastructure, making it cost-effective and scalable.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 wherein the composite spatial diagnostic circuit further comprises: an acoustic spatial diagnostic circuit to determine locations of sound sources in the surrounding environment from the acoustic samples; a WiFi spatial diagnostic circuit to determine locations of WiFi signal sources in the surrounding environment from the WiFi samples; and a spatial correlation circuit coupled to both the acoustic and WiFi spatial diagnostic circuits to recalibrate a location determination by a one of the spatial diagnostic circuits based on a location determination made by an other of the spatial diagnostic circuits.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system integrates multiple spatial diagnostic circuits to enhance environmental awareness by combining acoustic and WiFi signal data. The system captures acoustic samples from the surrounding environment and processes them to determine the locations of sound sources. Simultaneously, it collects WiFi signal samples and analyzes them to identify the positions of WiFi signal sources. A spatial correlation circuit cross-references the location data from both the acoustic and WiFi diagnostic circuits. If discrepancies or uncertainties arise in one diagnostic circuit's location determination, the spatial correlation circuit recalibrates it using the more reliable data from the other circuit. This dual-sensor approach improves accuracy by leveraging the strengths of both acoustic and WiFi-based localization, reducing errors caused by environmental interference or signal limitations. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring precise spatial awareness, such as indoor navigation, smart home automation, or security monitoring. By dynamically correlating and adjusting location data, the transceiver ensures robust and reliable environmental mapping.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 wherein each composite spatial map determined by the composite spatial diagnostic circuit includes a location and identity of humans and a location of wireless transceivers within a surrounding structure.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless transceivers equipped with enhanced spatial mapping capabilities for indoor environments. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately locating and identifying both humans and wireless devices within a structure to improve communication efficiency, security, and environmental awareness. The wireless transceiver includes a composite spatial diagnostic circuit that generates composite spatial maps. These maps provide detailed information about the location and identity of humans present in the surrounding area, as well as the positions of other wireless transceivers. The system likely integrates multiple sensing technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, acoustic detection, or computer vision, to construct these maps. By combining data from these sources, the transceiver can distinguish between human occupants and stationary or mobile wireless devices, enabling applications like smart building automation, emergency response coordination, or dynamic network optimization. The spatial maps may be updated in real-time or periodically to reflect changes in the environment, such as movement of people or devices. The transceiver can then use this information to adjust its communication parameters, such as beamforming or power levels, to optimize performance while minimizing interference. Additionally, the system may support privacy-preserving techniques to ensure that human identity data is handled securely. This technology is particularly useful in environments where precise spatial awareness is critical, such as healthcare facilities, industrial settings, or smart homes, where both human presence and device locations must be tracked for safety, efficiency, or automation purposes.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 , further comprising: a training circuit to recognize spoken commands from a user and to generate a corresponding rule which combines a recognized command with a current spatial context map output by the composite spatial diagnostic circuit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless transceivers with enhanced voice command processing capabilities. The transceiver includes a training circuit designed to recognize spoken commands from a user and generate a corresponding rule. This rule combines the recognized command with a current spatial context map, which is output by a composite spatial diagnostic circuit. The spatial diagnostic circuit analyzes the environment to determine spatial relationships, such as the location of objects or users within a space. The training circuit processes the user's spoken commands and associates them with specific spatial contexts, allowing the transceiver to execute commands based on both the spoken input and the current spatial conditions. For example, a user might issue a command like "turn on the lights," and the system would interpret this command in the context of the current spatial map, such as adjusting lighting in a specific room or area. The invention improves the accuracy and contextual relevance of voice-controlled operations in wireless transceivers by dynamically linking commands to spatial data. This approach enhances automation and user interaction in smart environments, ensuring commands are executed appropriately based on real-time spatial awareness.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 further comprising: a memory for storing rules each proscribing an action to perform, and a spatial context in which to perform the action; and the rule execution circuit coupled to the memory to determine when a current spatial context map from the composite spatial diagnostic circuit substantially matches the spatial context of one of the rules stored in the memory, and in the event of an affirmative determination to execute the action proscribed by the selected one of the rules.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system includes a spatial context-aware rule execution mechanism. The system operates in environments where spatial context (e.g., device positioning, environmental conditions, or user interactions) influences device behavior. The problem addressed is the lack of dynamic, context-aware automation in wireless transceivers, which often rely on static configurations or manual adjustments. The transceiver includes a memory storing rules that define actions (e.g., adjusting transmission power, switching protocols, or triggering alerts) and the spatial contexts in which those actions should be performed. A composite spatial diagnostic circuit generates a real-time spatial context map by analyzing sensor data, device positioning, or environmental inputs. A rule execution circuit compares this map against stored rules. When a match is detected, the corresponding action is automatically executed. For example, if a rule specifies reducing transmission power when a device is near a sensitive area, the system enforces this when the spatial context matches. This approach enables adaptive behavior based on physical or environmental conditions, improving efficiency, compliance, and user experience without manual intervention. The system may also include additional features like rule prioritization, conflict resolution, or learning mechanisms to refine rule effectiveness over time.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 , operative as one of a wireless access point (WAP) or a wireless station.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system is designed to operate as either a wireless access point (WAP) or a wireless station in a network. The transceiver includes a radio frequency (RF) front end for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, a baseband processor for encoding and decoding data, and a controller for managing communication protocols. The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on network conditions, such as signal strength, interference levels, or user demand, to optimize performance. When functioning as a WAP, the transceiver provides connectivity to multiple wireless stations, managing data routing, security, and resource allocation. In wireless station mode, it connects to a WAP or other network infrastructure, handling data transmission and reception while conserving power. The transceiver may also support multiple wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular protocols, allowing flexible deployment in various network environments. The system ensures seamless handoffs between modes, maintaining stable connectivity during transitions. This dual-mode capability enhances network adaptability, reduces hardware redundancy, and improves efficiency in both infrastructure and client devices.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The wireless transceiver of claim 1 , further comprising: a network interface to a remote server to offload a functionality of at least one of the composite spatial diagnostic circuit or the rule execution circuit to the remote server.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system includes a composite spatial diagnostic circuit and a rule execution circuit. The composite spatial diagnostic circuit analyzes spatial data from multiple antennas to determine the spatial characteristics of wireless signals, such as direction, angle of arrival, and signal strength. The rule execution circuit applies predefined rules to the spatial data to identify specific wireless signal patterns or anomalies, such as detecting unauthorized devices or signal interference. The transceiver can offload processing tasks from either the composite spatial diagnostic circuit or the rule execution circuit to a remote server via a network interface. This offloading allows the transceiver to reduce local computational load, improve efficiency, and leverage cloud-based processing for more complex analyses. The system is particularly useful in wireless networks where real-time spatial diagnostics and rule-based decision-making are required, such as in security monitoring, interference management, and network optimization. By distributing processing between local and remote components, the transceiver can adapt to varying computational demands while maintaining performance.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A method for operating a wireless transceiver for wireless communications on a wireless local area network (WLAN); and the method comprising the acts of: providing a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) array of antennas; providing a plurality of components coupled to one another to form transmit and receive paths coupled to the array of antennas for processing wireless communications; providing an array of microphones; successively sampling a WiFi and an acoustic environment surrounding the wireless transceiver; generating a composite spatial map of at least one of humans or wireless transceivers within the surrounding environment from each set of WiFi and acoustic samples provided in the sampling act; and executing an action proscribed by a selected rule when a related portion of the composite spatial map generated in the generating act exhibits a correlation above a threshold amount with a spatial context condition associated with the selected rule.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for operating a wireless transceiver in a WLAN environment to enhance situational awareness. The problem addressed is the lack of integrated spatial mapping capabilities in traditional WLAN systems, which limits their ability to dynamically adapt to human or device presence in the surrounding environment. The method involves a wireless transceiver equipped with a MIMO antenna array and associated transmit/receive components for processing wireless communications. Additionally, an array of microphones is provided to capture acoustic data. The system performs successive sampling of both the WiFi and acoustic environments surrounding the transceiver. From these samples, a composite spatial map is generated, identifying the positions of humans or other wireless transceivers in the vicinity. The spatial map is then analyzed to detect correlations with predefined spatial context conditions. When a correlation exceeds a threshold level, the system executes a predefined action based on the associated rule. This could include adjusting communication parameters, triggering alerts, or modifying network behavior to optimize performance or security in response to the detected environment. The integration of WiFi and acoustic sensing enables more comprehensive spatial awareness compared to systems relying solely on wireless signals.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , wherein the sampling and generating acts further comprise: determining locations of sound sources in the surrounding environment from the acoustic samples; determining locations of WiFi signal sources in the surrounding environment from the WiFi samples; and correlating the acoustic and WiFi locations provided in the determining acts with one another.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for operating a wireless transceiver to analyze and correlate acoustic and WiFi signals in a surrounding environment. The method involves sampling acoustic signals and WiFi signals from the environment and generating data based on these samples. Specifically, the method determines the locations of sound sources using the acoustic samples and the locations of WiFi signal sources using the WiFi samples. These locations are then correlated to establish relationships between the acoustic and WiFi sources. The method leverages the wireless transceiver to capture and process both types of signals, enabling spatial mapping and analysis of the environment. This approach can be used for applications such as indoor positioning, environmental monitoring, or security systems where understanding the spatial distribution of sound and wireless signals is beneficial. The correlation of acoustic and WiFi locations allows for more accurate and comprehensive environmental mapping by combining data from different signal types.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , wherein the sampling and generating acts further comprise: determining locations of sound sources by correlating a known geometry of the array of microphones with the acoustic samples of sounds emanating from humans, animals, and objects in the surrounding environment; determining locations of WiFi signal sources by correlating a known geometry of the MIMO antenna array with the WiFi samples of signals emanating from WiFi transceivers in the surrounding environment; and correlating the acoustic and WiFi locations with one another.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for operating a wireless transceiver that integrates acoustic and WiFi signal processing to determine the locations of sound sources and WiFi signal sources in an environment. The method involves sampling sounds from an array of microphones and WiFi signals from a MIMO antenna array. The acoustic samples, captured from humans, animals, and objects, are processed to determine their locations by correlating the known geometry of the microphone array with the sound data. Similarly, the WiFi samples from surrounding transceivers are processed to determine their locations by correlating the known geometry of the MIMO antenna array with the signal data. The method then correlates the determined acoustic and WiFi locations to provide a unified spatial mapping of both sound and WiFi sources in the environment. This approach enhances situational awareness by combining acoustic and wireless signal localization, enabling applications such as environmental monitoring, security, and smart infrastructure management. The technique leverages the spatial diversity of microphone and antenna arrays to improve accuracy in source localization, addressing challenges in environments with multiple overlapping signals.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , wherein the sampling and generating acts further comprise: identifying sound sources by correlating authentication records containing acoustic profiles of specific humans, animals, and objects with the acoustic samples; identifying humans, animals and objects by correlating authentication records containing WiFi multi-path signal profiles for specific humans, animals, and objects with the WiFi samples; and correlating the acoustic and WiFi identifications with one another.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system operates by sampling acoustic and WiFi multipath signals to identify and authenticate specific humans, animals, or objects in an environment. The system addresses the challenge of accurately distinguishing and verifying entities in dynamic settings where traditional identification methods may fail due to environmental noise or signal interference. The transceiver captures acoustic samples from sound sources and generates acoustic profiles, which are then compared against stored authentication records containing known acoustic signatures of individuals, animals, or objects. Simultaneously, the system collects WiFi multipath signal samples and correlates them with pre-recorded WiFi signal profiles associated with the same entities. By cross-referencing the acoustic and WiFi identifications, the system enhances accuracy in entity recognition, reducing false positives and improving reliability in tracking and authentication. This dual-correlation approach leverages both acoustic and wireless signal characteristics to provide a robust identification framework, particularly useful in applications requiring high-security verification or environmental monitoring.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , wherein the sampling and generating acts further comprise: determining locations of sound sources in the surrounding environment utilizing the acoustic samples; determining locations of WiFi signal sources in the surrounding environment from the WiFi samples; and recalibrating a location determination of a one of the determining acts based on a location determination made by an other of the determining acts.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless transceivers that integrate acoustic and WiFi signal processing to improve environmental mapping and localization. The method involves using a wireless transceiver to collect acoustic samples from sound sources in the surrounding environment and WiFi samples from WiFi signal sources. The transceiver processes these samples to determine the locations of both sound and WiFi sources. The system then cross-references these location determinations to recalibrate and refine the accuracy of the positioning data. For example, if the acoustic-based location of a sound source is inconsistent with the WiFi-based location of a nearby WiFi access point, the system adjusts one or both estimates to improve overall spatial awareness. This approach enhances the reliability of environmental mapping by leveraging multiple signal types, reducing errors caused by environmental interference or signal degradation. The method is particularly useful in applications requiring precise indoor localization, such as asset tracking, navigation, or smart environment monitoring.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , wherein each composite spatial map generated in the generating act includes a location and identity of humans and a location of wireless transceivers within a surrounding structure.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for operating wireless transceivers to enhance spatial awareness within a structure. The problem addressed is the need for accurate tracking of both human occupants and wireless devices within an environment to optimize communication, navigation, and safety applications. The method involves generating composite spatial maps that integrate the locations and identities of humans and the positions of wireless transceivers within a surrounding structure. These maps are created by processing signals received from multiple sources, including wireless transceivers and sensors, to determine the precise spatial relationships between humans and devices. The system distinguishes between different individuals and devices, allowing for real-time tracking and dynamic adjustments in wireless communication parameters. The spatial maps are used to improve signal routing, interference mitigation, and resource allocation in wireless networks. By continuously updating the maps based on movement and environmental changes, the system ensures reliable connectivity and efficient use of network resources. Additionally, the maps can support applications such as indoor navigation, emergency response coordination, and asset tracking. The method leverages advanced signal processing techniques, including beamforming and spatial filtering, to enhance accuracy and reduce errors in location estimation. The system may also incorporate machine learning algorithms to predict movement patterns and optimize network performance dynamically. Overall, the invention provides a robust solution for integrating human and device tracking into wireless communication systems to improve functionality and user experience.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , further comprising: recognizing spoken commands from a user; and generating a corresponding rule which combines a recognized command with a current spatial context map generated in the generating act.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system operates in environments where users issue spoken commands to control devices or functions. The challenge is to accurately interpret these commands while accounting for the user's spatial context, such as their location or the positions of nearby objects. This system enhances a wireless transceiver by adding voice recognition to detect spoken commands from a user. The system then generates a rule that links the recognized command with a spatial context map, which represents the user's current environment, including object positions and spatial relationships. This rule allows the system to execute the command in a context-aware manner, ensuring actions are performed correctly based on the user's surroundings. The spatial context map is dynamically updated to reflect changes in the environment, ensuring the system remains accurate over time. By integrating voice recognition with spatial awareness, the system improves the precision and reliability of command execution in wireless transceiver applications.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , further comprising: receiving feedback from a smart device manually switchable between an on state and an off state by a user, as to such a change in state; and generating a corresponding rule which combines the received change in state of the smart device with a current spatial context map generated in the generating act.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless transceivers and smart devices, specifically addressing the challenge of automating device control based on user interactions and spatial context. The method involves a wireless transceiver that monitors and responds to changes in the state of a smart device, which a user can manually switch between on and off states. When the user toggles the smart device, the transceiver receives feedback indicating this state change. The system then generates a rule that associates this state change with a current spatial context map, which represents the physical environment or location where the device is used. The spatial context map may include data such as device positions, user presence, or environmental conditions. By combining the state change with the spatial context, the system can automate future actions, such as turning other devices on or off when similar conditions are detected. This approach enhances user convenience by learning and applying patterns from manual interactions without requiring explicit programming. The method ensures that device behavior adapts dynamically to the user's habits and environmental context, improving efficiency and personalization in smart home or IoT systems.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , further comprising: storing rules each proscribing an action to perform, and a spatial context in which to perform the action; determining when a current spatial context map substantially matches the spatial context of one of the rules stored in the memory; and executing the action proscribed by the selected one of the rules, responsive to an affirmative determination of a substantial match in the determining act.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless transceivers and methods for dynamically controlling their operation based on spatial context. The problem addressed is the need for wireless devices to adapt their behavior in response to changing environmental conditions, such as interference, signal quality, or user preferences, without requiring manual configuration. The method involves storing a set of rules in a memory, where each rule defines an action to perform and a specific spatial context in which that action should be executed. The spatial context may include factors such as the device's location, nearby obstacles, or signal propagation characteristics. The device continuously monitors its environment to generate a current spatial context map, which is compared against the stored rules. When the current spatial context substantially matches the context specified in a rule, the associated action is automatically triggered. For example, if a rule specifies reducing transmission power in a high-interference area, the device will execute this action when it detects such conditions. The method also includes dynamically updating the rules based on new data, ensuring the system remains effective as environmental conditions evolve. This approach enables wireless transceivers to optimize performance, reduce interference, and improve energy efficiency without manual intervention. The invention is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where adaptive behavior is critical.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , further comprising one of the acts of: operating the wireless transceiver as a wireless access point (WAP); and operating the wireless transceiver as a wireless station.

Plain English Translation

A wireless transceiver system is designed to dynamically switch between operating as a wireless access point (WAP) or a wireless station to optimize network connectivity and resource utilization. The system includes a wireless transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals, a processor for controlling the transceiver, and a memory storing instructions for configuring the transceiver in either mode. When operating as a WAP, the transceiver provides network access to other wireless devices, managing connections, authentication, and data routing. When operating as a wireless station, the transceiver connects to an external network, such as another WAP or a cellular network, to relay data or access external resources. The system may also include a power management module to conserve energy by switching between modes based on usage patterns or network conditions. Additionally, the transceiver may support multiple wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to enhance compatibility and functionality. The dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to varying network demands, improving efficiency and reliability in diverse environments.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The method for operating a wireless transceiver of claim 11 , further comprising: executing at least one of the generating or executing acts on a remote server communicatively coupled with the wireless transceiver.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for operating a wireless transceiver to improve efficiency and performance. The problem addressed is the need to optimize resource allocation, signal processing, and data handling in wireless transceivers, particularly in environments with varying channel conditions or high data demands. The method involves generating a set of configuration parameters for the wireless transceiver based on real-time operating conditions, such as signal strength, interference levels, or network load. These parameters may include modulation schemes, coding rates, power levels, or scheduling algorithms. The transceiver then executes these configurations to adapt its operation dynamically, enhancing throughput, reducing latency, or conserving power. A key aspect of the invention is the ability to perform these operations remotely. The generating or execution of configuration parameters can be offloaded to a remote server connected to the transceiver, allowing for centralized processing, advanced analytics, or cloud-based optimization. This remote processing may involve machine learning models, predictive algorithms, or coordination with other network nodes to improve overall system performance. The method ensures that the transceiver operates efficiently by continuously adjusting its settings in response to changing conditions, either locally or through remote assistance. This approach is particularly useful in modern wireless networks where flexibility and adaptability are critical for maintaining high-quality communication.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. A method for operating a wireless transceiver for wireless communications on a wireless local area network (WLAN) and a remote server communicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver, and the method comprising the acts of: successively sampling a WiFi and an acoustic environment surrounding the wireless transceiver; generating a composite spatial map of at least one of humans or wireless transceivers within the surrounding environment from each set of WiFi and acoustic samples provided in the sampling act; and executing an action proscribed by a selected rule when a related portion of the composite spatial map generated in the generating act exhibits a correlation above a threshold amount with a spatial context condition associated with the selected rule.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for operating a wireless transceiver to monitor and analyze both WiFi and acoustic environments in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to detect and respond to specific spatial conditions. The method involves continuously sampling the WiFi and acoustic surroundings of the transceiver to gather data on the presence and movement of humans or other wireless devices. From these samples, a composite spatial map is generated, integrating information from both WiFi signals (e.g., signal strength, device locations) and acoustic data (e.g., sound patterns, noise sources) to identify and track entities within the environment. The system then compares portions of this composite map against predefined spatial context conditions linked to specific rules. When a match exceeds a set threshold, the system triggers an action as prescribed by the corresponding rule. This approach enables dynamic environmental monitoring and automated responses based on real-time spatial data, useful for applications like security, occupancy tracking, or smart environment management. The method leverages cross-modal sensing to improve accuracy and context awareness compared to single-sensor approaches.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 9, 2018

Inventors

Aykut BULTAN
Narayanan BHARATH
Sam Heidari
Hossein DEHGHAN

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COMPOSITE WIFI AND ACOUSTIC SPATIAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR SMART HOME MANAGEMENT